The Elephant Domestication Center (Centre de Domptage des Éléphants) was established in Gangala-na-Bodio in the early 20th century under Belgian colonial rule. The project aimed to capture and train African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) for use in transport, logging, and other forms of manual labor. Although several elephants were partially trained, the initiative faced numerous challenges, including the animals’ temperament and difficulties in sustaining large populations in captivity. The project was eventually abandoned, but it remains a notable example of colonial experimentation in Central Africa.
Geography
Gangala-na-Bodio lies within the Uele River basin, a region characterized by a mix of savanna and equatorial forest. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, with local communities relying primarily on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and small-scale trade.
Economy
Today, the local economy is largely rural and agricultural, with limited infrastructure connecting Gangala-na-Bodio to larger urban centers in Haut-Uele.
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Democratic Republic of the Congo 